That sly fox, He Su Ye thought, secretly pleased but outwardly calm. Examining her arm closely, he said, “It’s eczema. The humid weather probably triggered it. Do you prefer topical treatment or something to take internally?”
Fang Ke Xin cut in. “I have something to do. I’ll leave you two to it.”
“I’ve never seen someone so enthusiastic about Chinese medicine,” He Su Ye teased as he wrote her prescription. “Licorice 30g, Scutellaria 10g, Rubia root 10g, Magnolia flower 10g, Changqing 10g, Poria 10g, and two black plums. Go to a pharmacy and get the pre-prepared packs.”
Shen Xi Fan sighed dramatically. “Ever since I met you, I’ve been drowning in Chinese medicine. It’s taking over my life!”
He Su Ye squinted at her with a teasing grin. “With your weak constitution, no one’s going to want you.”
“Stop saying things more depressing than my health!” she retorted, turning her face away in mock frustration. “I’m already miserable enough.”
He Su Ye chuckled. “Alright, little girl. Let’s go for a walk and clear your mind.”
* * *
Behind the university was a large Chinese medicinal herb garden called Bai Cao Garden.
Walking along a stone path, they stepped over a tall threshold into a lush expanse of greenery. Shen Xi Fan marveled at the variety of plants, though she couldn’t recognize a single one. Wide-eyed, she carefully touched the leaves, curiosity shining on her face.
“What if I damage one of these? Would I have to pay for it?” she asked hesitantly.
“Hm…” He Su Ye leaned in to inspect the plant. “Not sure. There are a few priceless herbs here…”
Startled, she quickly pulled her hand back, watching him warily. He plucked a few leaves and laughed. “Just kidding! This is Malan—basically Isatis leaf, like the kind used in Banlangen.”
“Wait, Banlangen comes from this plant’s leaves?”
“No, it’s made from the stems and roots. Little girl, isn’t the air here refreshing? All that green, the earthy scent after the rain—it’s soothing. I used to love coming here.”
As he wandered off to tend to an unnamed flower in the corner, Shen Xi Fan squatted in front of a potted plant, squinting at it. She murmured softly, “You’re Zi Su, also called Su Ye. I think I like you a little. How do you feel about me?”
The green leaves, tinged with purple, glistened with dew. Gently shaking its branches, she smiled, feeling a small sense of joy.
* * *
When Shen Xi Fan got home, her father was engrossed in a magazine, while her mother called from the kitchen. “Fan Fan, come help me! I’m running out of hands!”
After washing her hands, Shen Xi Fan went to chop vegetables. Her mother poured rice into the pot and let out a long sigh. “Fan Fan, tell me—what’s going on between you and that doctor?”
She felt a twinge of concern—Li Jie is getting married. I’m going to lose my acting partner! With an awkward smile, she said, “What’s there to say? It’s nothing special, just so-so!”
Shen’s mother nodded approvingly. “So-so is the best outcome. You’re about to go abroad—getting tied down by this sort of thing wouldn’t be good. Your Aunt Yang even suggested someone for you recently, but I turned her down flat. It’d be much better if you brought back a foreign son-in-law!”
Shen Xi Fan cheered inwardly, Thank you, God! She resolved to visit the temple the next day to light some incense in gratitude.
* * *
After dinner, Shen Xi Fan retreated to her room to browse the internet. But before long, her father came in, holding a magazine and looking uncharacteristically serious.
“Dad, what’s going on?” she asked, puzzled.
He laid the magazine on the table and pointed to it, lowering his voice. “Isn’t this Dai Heng?”
It was a feature article in a business magazine titled “The Electronic Industry’s Corporate Wars: Zhong Yu Emerges as the Big Winner.” Beside the headline was a photo of Yan Heng, with the entire page devoted to him and his company.
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